The usual and the unexpected.

Olympic Stadium, Crescent, and Monkland

Though not technically associated with the Grand Prix at all, the Food Truck festival at the Olympic Stadium just happened to fall during this action-packed weekend, and it was just that- PACKED. Some friends and I arrived early, so we were able to overindulge in some of the innovative and delicious food truck grub (without the crazy lines). Others who arrived later were not as lucky. The huge Olympic Stadium field became cramped and over-crowded, and the line-ups were about 30 minutes long. This event, which happens the first Friday of each month, is really worth a try, but I HIGHLY recommend you arrive early. Check out the yummy pictures below!

Food Trucks @ Olympic Stadium	Pas de Cochon dans mon Salon	Boston Cream & Caramel Dougnuts
Lucille’s Lobster Roll	Flavour-infused Beers	Gluten-Free Food Truck!
Nutella Waffle	Gluten-Free Arancini Perfection	Apple Crumble Grilled Cheese (Gargantua)

The Usual – Crescent Street Festival.

Another annual happening is the Crescent Street Festival. The street was booming (as always), but nothing new or exciting was going on. The atmosphere is always a fun one, and walking up and down crescent, or grabbing a seat on one of the many terraces to listen to the live music are both good options. However, I recall doing the same exact thing last year. Though we had a good time, there was nothing novel about our time on Crescent. Montreal signed a contract guaranteeing the Grand Prix will be held in our city for the next 10 years, so Crescent has plenty of time to redeem itself!

Crescent Street

The Unexpected – A Local Affair.

Final stop for Grand Prix weekend was my dear old Monkland Village. Monkland is a quaint street in NDG with a couple of restaurants, cafés, and some neighbourhood bars. This weekend, the street was transformed into the unexpected backdrop for a Grand Prix Weekend street fair. There were activities for kids, so families weren’t alienated, but there were also DJs, food trucks, and terraces for an older crowd. There really was something for everyone.

I also checked out Monkland’s latest addition, Slang LabOmanger. The restaurant has a terrace overlooking the charming street, but take a step inside and you won’t believe you are on Monkland. Adorned with retro light-fixtures, and exposed-brick walls, the place has a really trendy, industrial feel. Knowing that this used to be a video rental store deems the design even more impressive. In tandem with its laboratory theme, tables are set with beakers as both candle holders, and water pitchers, and small details throughout the menu contribute to the feel as well. A brightly-lit, white open-kitchen is the focal point of the restaurant, contrasting the rest of the dimly-lit interior.

The menu is creative with items including grilled octopus with lemon pop rocks, onion soup dumplings, and bacon wrapped matzoh balls. The drink menu also aims to please with a bacon caesar (YES…I said bacon) and a mojito served as a slushie. This is definitely a welcomed-addition to Monkland Ave. and will give young NDG locals the nearby hotspot they’ve been waiting for. See what we ordered below!

Reservations: Yes! But they don’t take reservations for the terrace as of now (first come, first serve)
Date night: Definitely. It has an intimate atmosphere and unique drink menu. Sure to please!
Attire: We’re still on Monkland, so no need to get TOO fancy. Trendy/sophisticated and you’re set.

Mind, Taste, Love.